Stephen “Steve” F. Bedaw, 63, a long-time resident of Keene and formerly of Swanzey, died unexpectedly on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene surrounded by his wife and family. Stephen was born the son of Lillian (Nelson) and Robert Bedaw on February 25, 1953 in Keene. He was educated in Swanzey and graduated from Monadnock Regional High School, class of 1971.
On July 8, 1972 he exchanged vows with Debra L. Frazier at the Gilsum Congregational Church in Gilsum. They were married with family and friends in attendance and had been married for forty-four years. Steve worked for the Stromgren Plumbing and Heating Company in Swanzey as a plumber for forty years before retiring in 2015. Prior he had worked at Sprague and Carlton in Keene.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf and was an avid softball player. He enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather. He loved being a grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. Steve was also community spirited. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Gilsum for many years. Steve will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his wife, Debra L. Bedaw of Keene; his children, Melanie S. Bassler and her husband Bryan of Spofford, Stephanie L. Bedaw and her significant other, Deborah Pickett of Swanzey and Lorrie J. Ogren and her husband Sean of Spofford; his siblings, Janis Perham and her husband Graham of Lisbon, Barbara Patnode and her husband Linwood of Surry, Robert “Bob” Bedaw and his wife Connie of Gilsum and Brenda Lane of Swanzey; five grandchildren, Junius Adams, Carter Ogren, Charlie Ogren, Coen Bassler and Holden Bassler; his mother in-law, Carlene Frazier of Gilsum. In addition, Steve is survived by his cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Steve was pre-deceased by his father Robert Bedaw and his mother Lillian V. Bedaw.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 10 to 11:30am with a celebration of life service to follow at 11:30am. Burial will be private in the family plot at Monadnock View Cemetery in Keene. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Stephen F. Bedaw to: Sons of the American Legion, P.O. Box 5, Gilsum, NH 03448. All services are under the direction of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH 03431.
